Photo by Mattias Fredriksson | Visit Norway
Norway's National Tourist Routes (Nasjonale Turistveger) transformed necessary infrastructure into designed experiences. Eighteen routes covering 2,000 kilometers total, where engineers routed roads through dramatic terrain and architects created rest stops showcasing what the roads access.
These aren't highways – they're narrow mountain roads with hairpin turns, steep grades, and limited passing. Driving them requires attention and time. Budget 50-70% more time than GPS estimates suggest.
Atlantic Road connects islands between Molde and Kristiansund via eight bridges over 8.3 kilometers. The road rides ocean swells during storms – built specifically to handle it. Storseisundet Bridge creates famous "road to nowhere" photograph from specific angle where bridge appears to end mid-air.
Open year-round but most dramatic during autumn storms when waves crash over the roadway. Summer brings calmer conditions and midnight sun. Toll road (small fee). Multiple parking areas with viewpoints and fishing spots.
Construction took six years (1983-1989), interrupted multiple times by hurricanes. The engineering handles weather that would close most coastal roads.
Trollstigen climbs 850 meters through mountains via 11 hairpin turns and 9% grades. Narrow road, limited passing spaces. Opens late May, closes October for snow. Viewing platform at top shows road serpentining below. Part of route between Åndalsnes and Geiranger.
Aurlandsfjellet (Snow Road) crosses mountains between Aurland and Lærdal, passing Stegastein viewpoint. Alternative to tunnel – adds 45 minutes but delivers fjord and mountain views. Summer only (June-October). Free.
Sognefjellet crosses Norway's highest mountain pass at 1,434 meters. Route between Lom and Gaupne over Jotunheimen mountains. Summer only operation. Connects eastern valleys with Sognefjord region.
Hardanger route follows Hardangerfjord with views across water to Folgefonna glacier. Includes Hardanger Bridge (1,380m suspension bridge) and multiple fruit orchard areas. Year-round access.
Seasonal closures matter. Mountain routes close October-May or June depending on snow conditions. Opening dates vary by year – check official status before planning routes. Some roads close with 24-hour notice for avalanche risk even in summer.
Driving requires concentration. Narrow roads, steep grades, hairpin turns, limited visibility. Not recommended for drivers uncomfortable with mountain driving. Large vehicles (RVs over 7m) prohibited on some routes.
Time estimates are wrong. GPS calculates based on speed limits, not actual driving conditions. Trollstigen takes 1+ hour for 20-kilometer section. Add 50-70% to any digital estimate. Factor in photo stops.
Camper/RV restrictions apply. Width and length limits on several routes. Trollstigen prohibits vehicles over 12.4m. Check restrictions before driving large vehicles.
Weather changes experience. Rain and fog obscure views entirely. Summer brings best visibility but most traffic. Autumn storms make Atlantic Road dramatic but can close other routes. Check forecasts and conditions.
Message
Send us a message
Phone
Available 08:30 - 15:00 Mon-Fri.+47 55 13 13 10
Email
[email protected]